THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

Letter from Ralph Vaughan Williams to Julian Herbage at the BBC

Letter No. VWL1182

Letter from Ralph Vaughan Williams to Julian Herbage at the BBC

Letter No.: VWL1182


The White Gates,
Westcott Road,
Dorking.

Jan 18 [1934]

Dear Mr Herbage
Thank you for your letter.1
My ‘Four Hymns’  belong properly to Tenor so I should prefer to have Mr Wilson – their original interpreter.
The solo at the end of the ‘Pastoral Symphony’  is marked ‘soprano or tenor’ though it is usually sung by a soprano – But of course I must leave this to you.
As regards the timing of the various pieces I will go through the Hymns and give you an accurate timing.  You probably have a timing of the other items.
With regard to the ‘Norfolk Rhapsody’ there is only one  – Nos 2 & 3 were scrapped long ago.  I suggest that if we include the ‘Running Set’  it should come last to make a cheerful end.
Also would it be a good plan to start with the Norfolk Rhapsody, put the Tallis Fantasia  second & the ‘Four Hymns’ immediately after which being in much the same mood as the Fantasia would make a good pendant to it – But again I must leave this to you as an experienced programme maker.
Yours sincerely
R Vaughan Williams


1. See VWL1181. Herbage was arranging a concert of works by VW, which Boult had invited VW to conduct.